Police dogs in Nottinghamshire can rest easy now, knowing their handlers are not the only ones with retirement security.

Earlier this month, Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping approved setting up the Police Dog Pension Scheme to provide ongoing medical costs after the dogs retire from the force, whose headquarters is in Nottingham, England.

Nine of the 26 active police dogs are expected to retire between now and 2016, according to a spokeswoman for the police department. In retirement, they now will receive a pension of up to £500 ($805) for at least three years. The funds are meant to cover any medical expenses linked to work-related injuries or illness.

“Many of the force's dogs are fit and healthy when they retire but need some medical treatment for injury or illness resulting from being worked hard while tackling crime,” Mr. Tipping said in a news release. “These dogs give willing and sterling service over the years in protecting the public so I am delighted to approve a scheme that will ensure continuing medical help once their work is done.”

Most police dogs remain with their handler at the family's home after retirement.

This article originally appeared in the November 25, 2013 print issue as, "English police force sets up retirement plan for dogs".